Indian-Americans scored a historic first with the induction of one of their own into the U.S. Soccer Hall of Fame. Sunil Gulati, an economics professor at Columbia University and possibly the only Indian-American to be inducted to any sports hall of fame, told Desi Talk he is proud to be representing the community.

“It’s an honor to be inducted into the US Soccer Hall of Fame and to join so many others who have contributed to the growth of the game,” Gulati told Desi Talk in an email response, adding, “I’m proud to represent the Indian-American community in soccer and sports more generally.”

On Saturday, May 25, Gulati was informed his name was in the distinguished list and that he would be formally inducted this September, the Associated Press reported. He was nominated this March for the ‘Builder’ category hall of famers, and was among a slew of candidates in several categories.

According to mlssoccer.com, Hall of Fame inductees are voted on by former coaches and media that covers the game. Each voter can select up to 10 candidates. Those getting at least 66.7 percent of the vote get selected and are inducted into the Hall of Fame, a ceremony slated to be held this year on Sept. 21-22 in Frisco, Texas.